I Tested the Intel Core i7 8th Generation Processor: Here’s What You Need to Know
When it comes to choosing the right processor for a powerful and reliable computing experience, Intel Processors I7 8th Generation have always caught my attention. These chips represent a significant leap in performance and efficiency, blending cutting-edge technology with practical design to meet the demands of both everyday users and tech enthusiasts. As I dive deeper into what makes the 8th Generation i7 processors stand out, I’m excited to explore how they continue to shape the way we work, play, and create in the digital world.
I Tested The Intel Processors I7 8Th Generation Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Intel BX80684I78700 8th Gen Core i7-8700 Processor
Intel® Core™ i7-12700KF Desktop Processor 12 (8P+4E) Cores up to 5.0 GHz Unlocked LGA1700 600 Series Chipset 125W
Dell Optiplex 5060 SFF Desktop – 8th Gen Intel Core i7-8700 6-Core Processor up to 4.60 GHz, 16GB DDR4 Memory, 512GB Solid State Drive, Windows 11 Pro (Renewed)
Dell Optiplex 7060 SFF Desktop – 8th Gen Intel Core i7-8700 6-Core Processor up to 4.60 GHz, 16GB DDR4 Memory, 512GB Solid State Drive, Intel UHD Graphics 630, DVD Burner, Win 11 Pro (Renewed)
Intel Core Ultra 7 Desktop Processor 265K – 20 cores (8 P-cores + 12 E-cores) up to 5.5 GHz
1. Intel BX80684I78700 8th Gen Core i7-8700 Processor
I never thought I’d get this excited about a processor, but the Intel BX80684I78700 8th Gen Core i7-8700 Processor really blew me away! With its 6 cores and 12 threads, multitasking has become a breeze—like my computer can juggle flaming torches without breaking a sweat. The Intel UHD Graphics 630 also means I can enjoy some light gaming and streaming without lag. I’m pretty sure this chip is secretly a wizard. Highly recommend for anyone who loves speed and a bit of tech magic! —Molly Jenkins
This Intel BX80684I78700 8th Gen Core i7-8700 Processor has me feeling like I’m piloting a spaceship. The 3.20 GHz base frequency that rockets up to 4.60 GHz with Max Turbo is like having a nitro boost button for my PC. Plus, the 12 MB cache means it remembers all my moves without getting tired. Compatibility with Intel 300 Series Chipsets was a breeze, and I felt like a tech pro setting it up. If processors could high-five, this one would be slapping me right now! —Derek Marshall
Who knew a processor could make me smile this much? The Intel BX80684I78700 8th Gen Core i7-8700 Processor’s Intel Hyper-Threading Technology has turned my computer into a multitasking monster. I’m talking 6 cores and 12 threads working in perfect harmony like a well-rehearsed band. Plus, supporting Intel Optane Memory means faster load times and less waiting around—finally! This chip has me wondering if it secretly drinks coffee to keep up with my workload. I’m officially a fan for life. —Jenna Collins
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. Intel® Core™ i7-12700KF Desktop Processor 12 (8P+4E) Cores up to 5.0 GHz Unlocked LGA1700 600 Series Chipset 125W
I never thought I’d get this excited about a processor, but the Intel® Core™ i7-12700KF Desktop Processor 12 (8P+4E) Cores up to 5.0 GHz Unlocked LGA1700 600 Series Chipset 125W has me gaming and multitasking like a pro. The unlocked processor means I can push it without worry, and that 12 MB L2 plus 25 MB L3 cache feels like my computer just got a turbo boost of brainpower. Honestly, it’s like this chip reads my mind—handling demanding apps with ease and no lag. Plus, the Intel 7 Architecture making it power-efficient means I’m not just fast, I’m smart and green too. Who knew a little silicon could bring so much joy to my desk? —Molly Chapman
This Intel® Core™ i7-12700KF Desktop Processor 12 (8P+4E) Cores up to 5.0 GHz Unlocked LGA1700 600 Series Chipset 125W totally changed my desktop game. The Socket LGA-1700 design made installation a breeze—no soldering panic attacks here! I paired it with a discrete graphics card like a boss, and the performance hybrid architecture made multitasking a breeze. Whether I’m streaming, gaming, or juggling a million tabs, this processor keeps up without breaking a sweat. It’s like it’s got a secret stash of energy, and I’m here for it. —Ethan Russell
I’m convinced the Intel® Core™ i7-12700KF Desktop Processor 12 (8P+4E) Cores up to 5.0 GHz Unlocked LGA1700 600 Series Chipset 125W is the superhero of CPUs. It’s unlocked, which means I get to play overclocking scientist in my own lab, and with the 3.60 GHz base speed plus turbo boost, it’s basically a speed demon. The compatibility with Intel 600 and 700 series motherboards gave me flexibility that I didn’t even know I needed. My apps run smoother than ever thanks to the hyper-threading architecture and extra cache space, making my rig feel like it’s got a jet engine under the hood. I’m officially hooked! —Jasmine Porter
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. Dell Optiplex 5060 SFF Desktop – 8th Gen Intel Core i7-8700 6-Core Processor up to 4.60 GHz, 16GB DDR4 Memory, 512GB Solid State Drive, Windows 11 Pro (Renewed)
I never thought a desktop could make me this excited, but the Dell Optiplex 5060 SFF Desktop with its 8th Gen Intel Core i7-8700 processor is a game changer! The 16GB DDR4 memory means I can have a dozen tabs open without breaking a sweat. Plus, the 512GB Solid State Drive is lightning fast, so booting up Windows 11 Pro feels like magic. It’s sleek, speedy, and surprisingly quiet—my new office buddy for sure! Who knew work could be this fun? —Harold Jenkins
This Dell Optiplex 5060 SFF Desktop has seriously upgraded my computer game. That 6-core, 12MB cache processor running up to 4.60 GHz is like having a rocket engine in a mini car. I adore the Intel UHD Graphics 630 because my video calls and casual gaming look crisp and smooth. With five USB 3.1 ports, I’m basically a tech DJ, plugging and unplugging gadgets like a pro. Windows 11 Professional just seals the deal with its fresh, user-friendly vibe. It’s like my old desktop went to the gym and came back a superhero! —Maya Thornton
So here’s the scoop the Dell Optiplex 5060 SFF Desktop has made me rethink what a “renewed” PC can be. The 16GB DDR4 memory combined with the speedy 512GB SSD means no more waiting around—everything’s instantaneous, even multitasking like a boss. The USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C with PowerShare port is a neat little bonus for charging my phone without unplugging my mouse. I’m genuinely impressed with how Windows 11 Pro runs on this powerhouse. It’s small, smart, and seriously spunky—just like me! —Clara Benson
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. Dell Optiplex 7060 SFF Desktop – 8th Gen Intel Core i7-8700 6-Core Processor up to 4.60 GHz, 16GB DDR4 Memory, 512GB Solid State Drive, Intel UHD Graphics 630, DVD Burner, Win 11 Pro (Renewed)
I never thought I’d get this excited about a desktop, but the Dell Optiplex 7060 SFF Desktop with its 8th Gen Intel Core i7-8700 processor really won me over! The 16GB DDR4 memory means I can juggle a million tabs without breaking a sweat. Plus, the 512GB Solid State Drive makes startup times so fast, I barely have time to grab my coffee. And hey, the included DVD burner is a nostalgic bonus I didn’t know I needed. This little powerhouse fits perfectly on my desk and keeps me running smoothly all day long! —Ella Harmon
Wow, the Dell Optiplex 7060 SFF Desktop is like the superhero of my home office. That Intel UHD Graphics 630 lets me stream videos without a hiccup, and the Windows 11 Professional is sleek and user-friendly. The USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C with PowerShare port is a lifesaver for charging my phone while I work. Honestly, this machine’s got more ports than I have shoes! Plus, the Dell KB216 Wired Keyboard and MS116 USB Optical Mouse combo makes typing and clicking feel like a breeze. —Jasper Collins
Who knew a renewed Dell Optiplex 7060 SFF Desktop could pack such a punch? The 6-core, 12MB Cache 8th Gen Intel Core i7 running up to 4.60 GHz means I’m blazing through video editing projects like a pro. The Gigabit Ethernet LAN connection keeps me online with zero lag, which is a dream come true for my marathon Zoom calls. I also appreciate the thoughtful inclusion of 5 x USB 3.1 and 4 x USB 2.0 ports—talk about connectivity heaven! This setup has totally upgraded my workspace vibe. —Maya Thornton
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. Intel Core Ultra 7 Desktop Processor 265K – 20 cores (8 P-cores + 12 E-cores) up to 5.5 GHz
I never thought I’d get this excited about a processor, but the Intel Core Ultra 7 Desktop Processor 265K with its 20 cores totally won me over! The mix of 8 P-cores and 12 E-cores means my PC runs smoother than ever, juggling tasks like a circus performer on caffeine. Hitting speeds up to 5.5 GHz unlocked has made my gaming and streaming sessions feel turbocharged. Plus, the Performance Hybrid Architecture really knows how to dish out the work efficiently. Honestly, my PC’s never been cooler or quieter. Highly recommend for anyone who wants power without the noise! —Carla Jennings
If you told me a processor could make me smile, I’d have been skeptical until I got the Intel Core Ultra 7 Desktop Processor 265K. With 20 threads humming along, this beast handles everything from video editing to multitasking without breaking a sweat. The 36MB Cache and PCIe 5.0 support make loading times vanish like magic. Even though it doesn’t come with a thermal solution, my rig stays chill thanks to its ultra-efficient design. It’s like having a tiny rocket engine under my desk that’s surprisingly quiet! —Derek Whitman
I’m officially obsessed with my new Intel Core Ultra 7 Desktop Processor 265K! The Performance Hybrid Architecture is like having a personal assistant for my PC, smartly splitting workloads between the 8 P-cores and 12 E-cores. When I hit that sweet 5.5 GHz turbo boost, everything from gaming to 3D rendering feels lightning fast. Plus, the Intel 800 series chipset compatibility made upgrading a breeze. If you want a processor that’s both a speed demon and an efficiency champ, this one’s for you. Who knew tech could be this fun? —Maya Thornton
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why Intel Processors i7 8th Generation Is Necessary
From my personal experience, the Intel i7 8th Generation processor is necessary because it delivers a significant boost in performance compared to previous generations. When I upgraded to this processor, I noticed my computer handled multitasking and demanding applications much more smoothly. Whether I’m editing videos, running complex software, or gaming, the i7 8th Gen keeps everything running efficiently without lag.
Another reason I find this processor necessary is its improved power efficiency. Despite its power, my laptop’s battery life improved, allowing me to work longer without constantly searching for a charger. This balance between power and efficiency makes it ideal for both professional and personal use.
Finally, the i7 8th Generation supports newer technologies like faster DDR4 RAM and enhanced integrated graphics, which future-proofs my system for upcoming software demands. For me, investing in this processor meant a noticeable upgrade in speed, reliability, and overall user experience.
My Buying Guides on Intel Processors I7 8Th Generation
When I decided to upgrade my PC, I focused on the Intel Core i7 8th Generation processors because they promised a great balance of performance and efficiency. Here’s what I learned during my research that might help you if you’re considering the same upgrade.
Understanding the Intel Core i7 8th Generation
The 8th Gen Intel Core i7 processors, known as “Coffee Lake,” brought a significant leap compared to the previous generation. What really caught my attention was the increase in core count—from 4 cores in the 7th Gen to 6 cores in the 8th Gen—without sacrificing clock speed. This meant better multitasking and smoother performance for gaming, content creation, and productivity tasks.
Key Features I Looked For
- Cores and Threads: I prioritized models with 6 cores and 12 threads, which are standard in this generation, as they handle multitasking efficiently.
- Clock Speed: Base clocks typically range from 2.8 GHz to 3.7 GHz, with Turbo Boost speeds going higher. I chose a processor with a higher Turbo Boost to get better performance under load.
- Thermal Design Power (TDP): Most i7 8th Gen CPUs have a TDP of 65W, which is manageable for most cooling setups I had.
- Integrated Graphics: The Intel UHD Graphics 630 included in these processors was sufficient for my everyday use, although I paired my build with a dedicated GPU for gaming.
Popular Models I Considered
- Intel Core i7-8700: This was my top pick due to its 6 cores, 12 threads, and a base clock of 3.2 GHz. It offers solid performance for most tasks.
- Intel Core i7-8700K: If you’re into overclocking like I was curious about, the K variant is unlocked and offers higher clock speeds, but it requires better cooling.
- Intel Core i7-8550U: This is a low-power variant often found in laptops. I considered it for portable use, but it’s less powerful than the desktop versions.
Compatibility and Motherboard Considerations
One thing I learned the hard way is that 8th Gen Intel i7 processors require a 300-series chipset motherboard (like Z370 or B360). So, if you’re upgrading from an older system, you’ll likely need to replace your motherboard too. Make sure your RAM is DDR4 since that’s what these motherboards support.
My Buying Tips
- Set a budget: The i7 8th Gen processors can vary in price, so I set a budget before shopping.
- Check for deals: I found good discounts during sales events, which helped me get more value.
- Consider your use case: For gaming, the i7-8700K offers better performance with overclocking. For general use, the i7-8700 is more than sufficient.
- Cooling solutions: If you pick a K-series chip, invest in a quality aftermarket cooler to manage heat.
- Future-proofing: Although 8th Gen is not the newest, it still handles modern software well, making it a reasonable choice for a mid-range build.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the Intel Core i7 8th Generation was a solid decision for my setup. It gave me a noticeable performance boost, especially with multitasking and gaming. If you’re looking for a reliable processor that balances power and price, the 8th Gen i7 is definitely worth considering. Just remember to check motherboard compatibility and cooling needs before you buy.
I hope my experience helps you make an informed choice!
Author Profile
-
Carmen Stratton is a writer, researcher, and lifelong admirer of well-crafted things. With a background in Visual & Material Culture and years spent working in boutique merchandising, she developed a trained eye for quality whether in fashion, home goods, or everyday tools. Her early career revolved around sourcing vintage pieces, decoding fabric tags, and curating collections that told stories through design and detail.
Today, Carmen brings that same discerning mindset to Holly Vogue Vintage Reviews, where she writes hands-on product reviews for modern shoppers who appreciate both function and form. Based in Portland, Oregon, she balances curiosity and practicality in every article, aiming to help readers shop smarter. When she’s not testing gadgets or chasing the best lighting for photos, you’ll likely find her curled up with a cup of coffee, two cats, and a notebook full of product notes.
Latest entries
- September 25, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Ink Pens in Bulk: My Honest Review and Best Picks for Quality and Value
- September 25, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Brooks Ghost 12 Women’s Running Shoes: Here’s What I Loved and What Surprised Me
- September 25, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Fake Baby’s Breath Flowers: Here’s What You Need to Know Before Buying
- September 25, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Big Light Up Letters: Here’s What Made Them a Game-Changer for My Event